Mental health assessment

[Jeanne61]

My son Glen 16 (ASD) has always been an extremely anxious young man.  The psychiatrist would like him to have a mental health assessment as an inpatient.  Various therapies will be tried out whilst he is there.  I have the delemer in whether to say yes or not.  12 weeks away from home is a very long time, it is also a very long way from here so I wouldn't get to see Glen many times in that period.  So big decisions to be made.

[mammo]

Good idea.  You need to feel completely comfortable with this in every aspect before making a decision.  Good luck to all of you!

[Jeanne61]

Hi thanks for all the replies.  My husband and I are going to look round the hospital before my son is admitted.  If we don't get a good feel about it then we won't let him go.  I have just found out from the headteacher at my son's school that another child from the school is going to have an assessment at Prudhoe, not the same type of assessment but it could be worthwhile to see what he feelings are (the Mum) as she has been to the hospital to have a look round.

[MrGreen]

Did you give up writing to that woman I put you in touch with? The problem for anybody on here is the autistic element of the case. It is something we wouldn't know anything about. People can write nice replies. But are they taken the full effects it might have on an autistic boy into account. It could scare the living daylights out of him. Just going from what I know about autism. Such a big move. Hence I thought somebody who works with autistic kids would be able to offer a bitter insight into how an autistic person might react to various treatments been done on them.

[autumn425]

First, I am truly sorry to hear, but your son will always love you and even though your son may think as a 3 year old, I am sure he still brightens up the room for anybody who walks in it. I will have to agree though with Mammo alone the lines of this statement, " Take time to walk around and see how things are and if for some reason you don't want to leave him there, don't." As a mother, it isn't easy to make such decisions sometimes, however, the decisions you make for him and yourself today, just make sure you will NOT regret the decisions you have mad in the past.

I really wish your family all the best of luck. Your not alone in this! We will be more then happy to support you and also have open ears for when you need to talk.

Very kindly yours,

Autumn425

[mammo]

Hi, based on the new information you have provided this makes for an extremely difficult decision. Ask the hospital consultant psychiatrist what they feel they will accomplish, and what is the best and worst case scenario for your son if he goes.  I truly think he would be fine in going, but as parents it's hard to let go when you cannot be there with him. Get all the information you can from the consultant and if/when you take him, get a feel for the place.  Take time to walk around and see how things are and if for some reason you don't want to leave him there, don't.  Ask if there will be one person who you can call to see how your son is doing on a daily basis.  I think they are trained to know if being there is affecting him adversely and would not allow it to continue.  You can also google the facilty and see if there are any reviews on it by other parents, and learn more about it.  You know your son is coming home after this, and maybe he'll be doing better, keep that thought in your heart.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you as you go through this, I know it's heart wrenching.  Take care.

[Jeanne61]

Hi unfortunately it would not be possibly to talk to my son about this.  He is severely autistic, has the mental ability of about a 3 yr old, has extemely poor communication, can talk but choosing not to the last few months.  He would not understand what I was talking about sadly.

I have to make the decision based on the information i've been given and whether I think it would be beneficial for my son.  We are desperate for help for him so I think this will be worth going ahead with.  The hospital consultant psychiatrist is going to call me today or tomorrow so I will put more questions to her then.

[autumn425]

Hi,
Even though your son is 16, I would go to him and have a talk with him about the issue. If you have a partner, I would also have a talk with them about this issue. Do NOT ever make a decision based on your on emotions or ways. You will regret it in the long run.  Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Questions;

Do I as the mother find this to be something of an asset to my son or a liability?

Do I feel this is really needed?

Do you TRUST your sons psychiatrist?

Would you feel comfortable enough to put your son in an atmosphere that he and yourself don't know at all?

Weigh out the pros and cons before you make a decision on what you as the mother feel is best for your child. ONLY you can make such decisions.

Good luck to you,

Autumn425

[mammo]

This is a big decision, have you spoken to your son about all this?  He's old enough to understand why this is needed, and how it is best for his future well being.  I'm sure he has a laptop and most have built in web cams, and if your computer at home doesn't have one they can be installed in minutes.  This would be a great way for all of you to see each other and talk.  Provide some photos for him to have in his room, and send him cards.  I would buy enough to send one or two a week, and make them funny ones.  You want to make him laugh and keep his spirits up.  You have to do what is best for your son, I know it's a difficult decision but it may change his life for the better.
I wish you both all the best and take care.